JOHN aside.)

 CHRIS
 John, you were great. Can I see you alone
 I gotta know what you meant on the phone
 what is this news you received you could only tell me

 JOHN
 a lot of groups use my Bangkok staff
 to process problems on their behalf
 we got this in from the embassy
 it's not easy to tell you, it's best that you see

 CHRIS
 It's about Kim, isn't it?
 ev'ry day for a year how I tried to get word
 tell me first, nothing else, tell me: did she survive?

 JOHN
 you must read the report, Chris, but yes, she's alive

 CHRIS
 you don't know, John, these nightmares, the things that I've seen
 I have seen her face burned, seen her shot with my gun
 I have chased her through streets and heard nothing but screams
 what's wrong? Come on. There is still something more

 JOHN
 she has a child
 you have a son

 (shows CHRIS the report)

 CHRIS
 you won't believe me but I dreamed this, John
 it's in the nightmare when I see Saigon
 Jesus, John, I am married
 is this story for real?

 JOHN
 I'm only telling you what I received
 but our reports can usually be believed
 Kim's a bar-girl in Bangkok
 pal, I know how you feel

 CHRIS
 It's too late! I have a whole new life
 I was in love with Kim, but now I have a wife

 JOHN
 listen, Chris, I know the shock you've had
 there are solutions here, it isn't always bad

 CHRIS
 oh John, I never told her
 my wife, how can I tell her?
 a child, what do I do?
 I shattered Kim
 now Ellen too